Whether you claim to be a Poe aficionado or simply enjoy reading his poetry from time to time, most people find Edgar Allan Poe`s work poignant, mysterious, and unique. Born on January 19th, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, Poe`s legacy still defines what we know as literature to this day. From short stories to detective fiction to horror, Edgar Allan Poe pushed for the redefining of numerous genres and styles in American literature. Sadly, Poe passed away knowing little of the success and influence he left on the collective memory of the world. Today, we would like to celebrate the author`s life by honoring the numerous achievements and facets of his existence. 

1. Edgar Allan Poe created the modern detective story with “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” in 1841.

2. Poe was fascinated by inventions of his time and became an early proponent of science fiction.

3. Edgar Allan was a college dropout due to his massive debts and was thrown out of West Point Military Academy years later. 

4. Poe worked as a magazine editor for the Messenger for several years, increasing its popularity as a southern magazine. 

University of Virginia Library 

5. Despite the many theories on the cause of his untimely passing, Poe`s death still remains a mystery. 

6. There are numerous museums, sites, and societies dedicated to the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe. 

Photo by Albrecht Conz

7. Edgar Allan Poe loved the Romantic period bad boy Lord Byron.

8. Poe was actually an athlete in his younger years, taking up swimming, boxing, running, and more in his youth. 

9. Poe wrote poetry and stories from an early age and published his first book at 18 years old titled Tamerlane. 

10. Edgar and Virginia owned a cat named Catterina that passed shortly after Poe`s death.